Question

An advertisement states: Like Danaxil, all headache pills can stop your headache. But when you are in pain, you want relief right away. Danaxil is for you - no headache pill stops pain mote quickly. Evelyn and Jane are each suffering from a headache. Suppose Evelyn takes Danaxil and Jane takes its leading competitor. Which one of the following can be properly concluded from the claims in the advertisement? (A) Evelyn's headache pain will be relieved, but Jane's will not. (B) Evelyn's headache pain will be relieved more quickly than Jane's. (C) Evelyn's headache will be relieved at least as quickly as Jane's. (D) Jane's headache pain will be relieved at the same time as is Evelyn's. (E) Jane will be taking Danaxil for relief from headache pain.

Short answer

Evelyn's headache will be relieved at least as quickly as Jane's.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Advertisement Claim

The advertisement suggests that Danaxil and other headache pills can stop headaches. However, it claims Danaxil stops the pain as quickly or more quickly than any other pill.

Identify Key Information

According to the advertisement, all headache pills, including Danaxil, can relieve headaches. The key feature of Danaxil is that no other headache pill relieves pain faster.

Analyze Each Option

- (A) implies Jane's pill won't work, contradicting the ad. - (B) suggests Danaxil is faster; this goes beyond the ad's claim. - (C) indicates Danaxil is at least as quick, aligned with the ad. - (D) implies equal speed, possible but not provable from the ad alone. - (E) incorrectly states Jane takes Danaxil.

Conclusion Based on Claims

The advertisement establishes Danaxil as equally or faster at relieving pain compared to competitors. Thus, Evelyn's relief will not be slower than Jane's.

Key concepts

Logical Reasoning Problems

Logical reasoning problems, like the one presented in the advertisement exercise, require you to carefully analyze given statements to deduce conclusions. In many standardized tests, these problems test your ability to understand logical relationships and implications in arguments. When dealing with logical reasoning problems, your first step should be to fully comprehend the claims being made.

Look for key phrases or statements that indicate the main point or argument. These could include absolutes such as "all," "no," or "only." In the example with Danaxil, the key claim was that Danaxil relieves pain at least as quickly, or more quickly, than any other headache pill.

By breaking down the advertisement into these components, you gain a clearer understanding of what's being asserted, helping you choose the best conclusion from the options provided.

Argument Analysis

Analyzing an argument involves examining the premises and conclusions to understand the relationship between them. In the Danaxil advertisement example, the primary claim is that Danaxil is as fast or faster at relieving pain compared to other headache pills.

The premises provided need to be critically evaluated. The statement that "no other headache pill stops pain more quickly" implies that Danaxil is the fastest option. However, since the ad doesn’t definitively state that Danaxil is faster than all others, the safest conclusion aligns with at least equal speed.

When performing argument analysis, always check for assumptions that might not be directly stated. This ensures that you consider the full scope of the argument and make a well-reasoned decision about the conclusions you draw. This approach aids in effectively handling similar questions in logical reasoning assessments.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills are essential for solving logical reasoning problems effectively. This skill involves not just understanding the given information, but also questioning it, identifying biases, and searching for hidden assumptions.

In the case of the Danaxil advertisement, a critical thinker would not merely take the ad's claims at face value but would also assess the reliability of such claims. Are there any qualifications or conditions under which Danaxil could fail to be faster? This line of critical questioning helps in identifying any potential weaknesses in the argument.

Improving critical thinking involves practice. You should engage regularly with exercises that stretch your ability to reason through complex ideas and challenge you to see beyond the surface of the provided information. This will prepare you well for more intricate questions during tests or real-world reasoning tasks.

Standardized Test Preparation

Preparing for standardized tests that include logical reasoning sections, like the LSAT, requires strategic practice. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions frequently asked, and continuously practice similar problems to improve your speed and accuracy.

Effective preparation involves:

• Understanding the format and directions of the test.
• Timing yourself on practice questions to simulate real test conditions.
• Reviewing incorrect answers to learn from your mistakes.
• Seeking resources such as study guides or tutoring for areas where you need improvement.

Mock tests, review sessions, and consistent practice will enhance your confidence and proficiency in handling logical reasoning problems. This thorough preparation is key to achieving a high score on such assessments.